Potassium

Other names: kalium

Potassium, also known as potassium, is a chemical element belonging to the seventh group of the periodic table of elements. It has atomic number 19 and is designated by the symbol K, which comes from the Latin name Kalium. Potassium is unstable in temperature and pressure and does not occur in the wild. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that is very reactive. It occurs in a solid state under normal pressure and temperature. Potassium has the peculiarity of being easily cut with a knife. In addition, it is capable of reacting with water and in this reaction hydrogen is released.

Potassium is found in many products and is a key ingredient in many industries. Everyday uses of potassium include fertilizers, where potassium, as one of the main macronutrients, plays a vital role in plant growth and development. Potassium is also an important element in the food industry, specifically in the preparation of certain types of bread, beer or wine. In medicine, potassium is important for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves and is therefore a component of various pharmaceutical preparations. Potassium is also of interest in the cosmetics industry, where it is used, for example, in the manufacture of soaps, creams and shampoos. Last but not least, potassium is also used in pyrotechnics, where its ability to produce various colour effects is exploited.